JOHN ALLAN FROM BARRHEAD SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE IN RENFREWSHIRE AND ARGYLL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, John Allan, aged 46, from Barrhead, was found guilty of a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse of young children over a prolonged period. The abuse spanned more than a decade, during which Allan targeted two young girls, beginning when they were just three and four years old. The severity and duration of his crimes were described by the presiding judge as a 'horrific catalogue of abuse.'

Allan’s actions included not only sexual assault but also indecent behaviour and rape, with incidents occurring at various locations, including private residences in Barrhead, Renfrewshire, and a village in Argyllshire. The crimes took place between 2003 and the year prior to his sentencing, which was in 2017. His offending pattern was uncovered after one of the victims confided in her school friends about the abuse. This revelation prompted the victim to disclose the details to her mother, leading to police intervention and a thorough investigation.

During the court proceedings at the High Court in Edinburgh, Allan admitted to six charges related to his misconduct. These included indecent behaviour, sexual assault, and rape. The court heard that Allan had also inflicted physical terror on one of the victims, notably assaulting her with a cane, which added a further layer of cruelty to his crimes. The judge, Lord Boyd of Duncansby, expressed his condemnation of Allan’s actions, stating that if the case had gone to trial and resulted in a conviction, the sentence could have been as severe as ten years in prison.

Ultimately, Allan was sentenced to nine years behind bars. Recognizing the ongoing risk he posed to children, the judge also ordered that Allan be placed under supervision for an additional four years following his release. Furthermore, Allan was informed that he would be registered on the sex offenders register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities to protect the community from potential future harm. The case has left a lasting impact on the victims and their families, highlighting the importance of vigilance and swift action in cases of child abuse.